“Control what you can control.” Brooke’s birth experiences have not been without challenges. She first had an extremely difficult miscarriage during COVID followed by intense bleeding due to massive subchorionic hemorrhages during her other two pregnancies. Her first delivery was a very traumatic C-section from not being completely anesthetized. After that, Brooke committed to doing everything in her power not to have that experience ever again and to do everything she could to avoid a C-section. Along with another subchorionic hemorrhage, her third pregnancy presented another challenge when she found out her baby had a bowel obstruction and would need surgery along with a NICU stay immediately after birth. Brooke was disheartened learning that she needed a medically necessary induction, but she was still committed to doing everything she could to achieve her VBAC. Her efforts to surround herself with a powerful team paid off. Everyone around her championed her VBAC. Brooke was able to go from the most traumatic birth imaginable to the most beautiful, empowering, and healing birth she literally dreamed about. Brooke’s WebsiteInformed Pregnancy - code: vbaclink424Needed Website - code: vbac20How to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details 04:36 Review of the Week07:19 Brooke’s first pregnancy11:18 Miscarriage15:01 Brooke’s dream17:20 Second pregnancy21:26 Going into labor and getting admitted28:06 An extremely traumatic C-section32:53 Third pregnancy38:17 Bleeding again43:09 Finding a bowel obstruction in baby46:57 Switching providers the day before her scheduled induction50:57 Progressing to complete dilation54:54 Getting an epidural and pushing for three hours59:40 15 tips for birth1:04:22 Control what you can controlMeagan: Good morning, good afternoon, good evening– whatever time it is that you are listening to this episode, I hope that you are doing great. We are excited to get into another VBAC story today from our friend. Okay, so I’m trying to think. Remind me. Are you in North Carolina now or are you in New York City now?Brooke: No, I’m in North Carolina now, but the story starts in New York City. Meagan: The story starts in New York City. She’s in North Carolina now. Her name is Brooke. Tell me a little bit more. You are an educator. You are helping kids read, right? Is this what I’m getting from your website? Brooke: Yes. Meagan: Okay, so tell us more about what you do. Brooke: I worked in New York City public schools for 10 years. I was a teacher, a literacy coach, and an administrator so I have experience both in the classroom and in school leadership. After we welcomed my daughter and after the pandemic, we moved to be closer to family in the Raleigh, North Carolina area and here I’m an education consultant. Meagan: Education consultant. Awesome. We will make sure to have your website linked for anyone listening. What type of people would want to go to your website? Brooke: I offer a number of services. The first thing that I do is pretty classic consulting in elementary school. I provide literacy support. My expertise is in pre-K through 3rd grade so early reading foundational skills. I help schools with their reading programs. But additionally, there’s a big home school community in the Raleigh area. Meagan: I saw that on your website. Brooke: Yeah, I’ve had a really wonderful experience so far working with families getting set up on their homeschooling journey and supporting parents and caregivers in taking on the teacher role at home. Meagan: Awesome. Awesome. I think home school, especially since COVID has really taken off. I know a lot of people, some of my best friends in fact here in Utah even homeschool. It’s a great resource. In addition to all of the amazing, great things you do, you have a VBAC story to share with us after a Cesarean that was performed pretty early, right?Brooke: Yeah, it was a pretty preterm and traumatic C-section. All VBAC stories start with a